-0.01(-0.04%)

+0.00(+0.17%)

Myanmar welcomes ILO decision to lift restrictions

YANGON, Myanmar (AP) -- Myanmar hopes a decision by the International Labor Organization to lift all remaining restrictions on the formerly isolated nation will help accelerate trade and foreign investment.

The U.N. agency initially imposed restrictions — which recommended its 185 member nations limit relations — just over a decade ago because of the military regime's use of forced labor.

The decision Wednesday cited progress by President Thein Sein's reformist-minded government since 2011.

The Ministry of Labor said in a statement the move will help boost international trade, increase foreign investment and create new jobs.

But activist Su Su Nway says while there has been progress in the area of workers' rights, forced labor is still a major problem in many parts of the country.